March 18, 2004

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Monmouth University used a balanced attack to upend the Villanova Wildcats 12-7 in a women's lacrosse contest played on a chilly afternoon at Villanova Stadium.

Laura Levins wasted no time in giving the Hawks (2-1 overall) an early cushion. Levins took a pass from Stacy Sydlo just 13 seconds into the game and beat Wildcat goalie Jessica Brozena (West Long Branch, N.J.) to give Monmouth the 1-0 lead. Jennie Versaggi then scored on a free position shot at the 27:27 mark to stake the Hawks to a 2-0 advantage.

The 'Cats countered with a goal from Katie Komlo (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) to cut the deficit in half with 24:23 to go in the half. But Monmouth got goals from Carolyn Reveia and Katie Degen to build a 4-1 edge before Villanova freshman Becky Gardner got the 'Cats back into the scoring column with 4:35 left in the half.

Monmouth then scored the final three goals before intermission, including a pair in the final 20 seconds to build a 7-2 lead at the break.

The Hawks' flurry continued in the second half as they scored the first four goals of the period to create an 11-2 advantage. Villanova answered with a pair of goals from Tierney Hoover, Gardner, and Kristen Morea but it wasn't enough. Monmouth finished the game with a 12-7 triumph.

Raveia, Sydlo, Levins and Erica Evangelisti each scored a pair of goals for the Hawks.

Brozena made 12 saves in net for Villanova (1-4 overall).

The Wildcats are scheduled to be back on the turf at Villanova Stadium this Saturday at noon against Patriot League rival Holy Cross.